Dynamical synchronization, the horizon problem, and initial conditions for inflation

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the evolution of homogeneous cosmologies using dynamical systems, identifying transient solutions and discussing implications for inhomogeneous evolution, the horizon problem, and initial conditions for inflation.

Contribution

It introduces a variational equation approach to study cosmological evolution and highlights a transient phase connecting Mixmaster and Friedmannian states.

Findings

Transient solutions exist between Mixmaster and Friedmann states

Implications for inhomogeneous evolution and the horizon problem

Initial conditions for inflation are discussed

Abstract

We consider the evolution of homogeneous cosmologies towards the future in a dynamical systems formulation. Using a variational equation approach, we show that there is a short period in which transient solutions between the end of a Mixmaster era and a subsequent Friedmannian state exist. Implications about the generic inhomogeneous evolution towards the future, the recollapse problem, the horizon problem, and the initial conditions required for inflation are briefly discussed.